5 Rookies Who Have to Make an Impact for San Diego Chargers to Be Successful in 2014

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The San Diego Chargers had plenty of holes on their roster that had to be addressed going into the offseason. After drafting six players, the Chargers signed 17 undrafted rookies. Now that the rookie minicamp is over, here's a look at five rookies who need to have an impact for the Chargers to be successful in 2014.

Grant Waller is a san Diego Chargers writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Grant_J_Waller and Like him on Facebook.

5. PR/KR Brelan Chancellor or Marion Grice

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5. PR/KR Brelan Chancellor or Marion Grice

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The Chargers ranked 23rd in kickoff return average (22.1) and 25th in punt return average (7.5) last season. Both Chancellor and Grice were very successful in the return game in college. They will need to bring that to the field on Sundays.

4. WR Tevin Reese or Torrence Allen

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4. WR Tevin Reese or Torrence Allen

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The Chargers didn't address the wide receiver position in free agency or early in the draft, so Reese or Allen will have to step up to take pressure off Keenan Allen. Reese is a big-play guy who has the ability to stretch the field and get behind the secondary with his speed. Allen was highly productive in college and has a good combination of speed, route-running and agility. One of these receivers will need to step up for Rivers.

3. OLB Jeremiah Attaochu

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3. OLB Jeremiah Attaochu

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There won't be as much pressure on Attaochu as other rookies with several veterans at the position, but that doesn't take away from the Chargers' big need for a pass-rusher. San Diego ranked 20th in opponents third down convert percentage (38.9) and tied for 23rd in sacks (35). Getting more pressure on opposing QBs will improve both of these areas and Attaochu will likely be on the field in these situations for that very reason, to rush the QB.

2. CB Steve Williams

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2. CB Steve Williams

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Williams isn't technically a rookie anymore, but he missed all of last season and hasn't played an NFL game yet. Last year, the Chargers' defense ranked 21st in average yards per reception (12.1) and 29th in receiving yards per game (274.2). Jason Verrett will start on one side, so Williams will need to provide the Chargers with an impact on the other side or in the slot. This unit needs a lot of help and Verrett can't turn it around by himself.

1. NT Ryan Carrethers

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1. NT Ryan Carrethers

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Carrethers will be vying for a starting position with Sean Lissemore and Kwame Geathers. The lack of depth at the pivotal nose tackle position in John Pagano's 3-4 defense makes Carrethers' role vital to the Chargers' success in defending the run game. Carrethers will have to make an impact if the Chargers' defense wants to improve on last year's 27th ranked opponent yards per attempt (4.6).

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